What does linking mean?
Linking means connecting or joining, and it can describe the action, the resulting relationship, or something used to make a connection. As a noun, linking refers to the process by which people, organizations, objects, or information become associated; for example, a website may support linking directly to external pages. As a verb, linking means to connect, relate, or make accessible: a speaker may link an argument to evidence, or an application may link one record to another. The adjective linking describes a device, element, word, or relationship that performs this connective role. In grammar, a linking verb connects a subject to a complement, such as the predicate adjective in “She seems tired.” In computing, linking often involves creating a hyperlink or associative connection between digital resources. Although linking is sometimes used in the sense of joining together physically, it more commonly suggests an established connection through a shared relationship, reference, or function.
The act or process of connecting two or more people, objects, ideas, or information sources.
"The linking of local schools with community organizations benefited both sides."
Often uncountable; in computing, it may specifically refer to creating a hyperlink or reference between resources.
To connect, join, associate, or make one resource accessible from another.
"Please link the relevant documents to the project summary."
The construction link A to B is especially common when describing digital references or relationships.
Serving or intended to connect other elements.
"The sentence contains a linking verb rather than a transitive action verb."
Chiefly used attributively in established terms such as linking verb, linking device, and linking element.
Rare; the noun linking is normally uncountable, but plural forms occur in technical contexts for multiple connections or connecting mechanisms.
"The bridge has separate linkings at either end of the central span."
In grammar, a linking verb does not simply link words together—it connects the subject to a word that identifies or describes it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does linking come from?
The word linking is the present participle and gerund of link, formed by adding the suffix -ing. Link itself is a Middle English word continuing an Old English verb, and it has close cognates in other Germanic languages, including Dutch linken and German links. Its deeper Proto-Germanic ancestry is not securely established, so no more specific derivation should be assumed.
Related word forms
How linking is actually used
As a noun, linking is commonly uncountable and often implies a process, relationship, or means of connection. As an adjective, it usually appears in technical, computing, or grammatical constructions such as linking device, linking verb, and linking element.
Easily confused with linking
Linking means connecting or joining, whereas lining is the material or layer fitted along an edge or inside an object.
Linking describes the act of connecting something, while lingering means remaining longer than expected.